Mental tenacity: the psychological engine to make things happen

Mental tenacity is more than just an attitude towards life. No one comes into this world with that innate ability to overcome any adversity or to combine the most daring determination, the one with which to achieve any goal or purpose. The willpower that permeates this psychological dimension is trained, acquired with experience and with high doses of perseverance.

Ability to challenge, self-control, confidence… There are many dimensions that build this type of mentality, but from the field of psychology they point us to something important: We can all develop this valuable and necessary competence.. Likewise, the tenacious person is not defined only by that disposition with which to try to achieve success in their work or achieve a goal.

Tenacity is, in turn, the encouragement of self-improvement and well-being. It therefore has a component that is directly linked to self-esteem and that favors our sense of self-realization. It is perceiving that we are capable of achieving what we set out to do, it is feeling worthy, valuable and capable of shaping the life and reality we desire.

Mental tenacity, what is it?

When the going gets tough, the hardest part can be the decision-making process.; which path to take and, more importantly, where to get the motivation to face that unexpected circumstance. Let’s admit it, we live in a society that focuses on dimensions such as intelligence, talent, creativity, extroverted character, leadership, etc. Now, where is the tenacity?

The strength contained in what we call being tenacious is, possibly, the most valuable skill that a human being can have. And yet, they don’t always teach it to us in school, they don’t always give us guidelines to know how to awaken it. Often, we make use of it because our parents have transmitted it to us, because certain figures have inspired and guided us to effectively apply those resources that make up mental tenacity.

SISUhaving guts in the midst of adversity

Sisu It is a concept of Finnish origin deeply rooted in its culture. This term integrates a fascinating combination of ideas and dimensions such as resilience, stoicism, courage, determination and of course, mental tenacity. Something curious about this term is that it has been integrated in Finland since immemorial origins, everyone knows what it means but few can explain it in concrete words.

It was at the third World Congress of Positive Psychology in Los Angeles in 2013, when this idea was presented to the scientific community for the first time. Sisu It was conceived as a potential psychological energy capable of helping human beings achieve a goal, overcome adversity and be persistent in this process.

Likewise, there are those who claim that this compendium of psychological virtues would be present as a personality trait in many cases. It is true, however, There is another aspect in which there is consensus: each of us can learn to develop mental tenacity.

Self-esteem, the engine that ignites your mental tenacity

The majority of studies that have been carried out on mental toughness come from the world of sports. Thus, works such as those of Dr. Patricia Pritchard, from the University of Virginia, United States, highlight that This mental strength requires components such as willpower, commitment, self-control and confidence.

Now, they also highlight an essential element: self-esteem. Let’s think about it, without this psychological muscle nothing would be possible. If one does not appreciate oneself, if one does not value oneself enough to feel worthy of what one dreams, wants and needs, it will be difficult for us to take the first step.

The tenacious person is one who refuses to feel defeated. It is also that heart that, even though it is aware that it is exhausted, that life has dealt it more than one blow and a few corners, refuses to lose hope and self-love. We must therefore keep it in mind: without self-esteem there is no spark, without this dimension we will not turn on the engine of mental tenacity.

How can I enhance my psychological tenacity?

No one makes great progress in their life without taking on commitments or risks. That is, it is very possible that we have set a series of lofty objectives in our near future, such as getting a good job, passing an exam or making that much-needed change in our existence.

Now, it is difficult for that to happen If we don’t first probe ourselves: Am I ready to take that leap? Am I okay with myself? Do I feel motivated, do I have the appropriate psychological resources? Therefore, let’s address these priority issues and for this there is nothing better than training those nutrients that make up psychological tenacity. They are the following:

Self-care: Psychological tenacity requires, first of all, that we feel good about ourselves. In this way, it is crucial that we take care of ourselves, that we strengthen our self-esteem, that we extinguish fears and insecurities, that we clarify purposes, internal needs, etc.Attitude. The tenacious person trains his attitude and that always resolute, strong and optimistic disposition that allows him to face the day to day with solvency.Habits based on tenacity. In our days we must begin to apply small routines that help us foster mental tenacity. This implies, for example, being able to achieve small goals without giving up, being perseverant. It is also important that we learn problem-solving techniques, while applying a flexible, creative and intuitive mindset to know how to appreciate opportunities.

In conclusion, Let’s not lose sight of this wonderful psychological cornerstone that will help us chart happier destinies. and above all, adjusted to our dreams and needs.

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